Last updated at 13:39, Tuesday, 12 January 2010

TRIBUTES have been paid to a highly skilled crystal engraver.

CRAFTSMAN: Master engraver Patrick McMahon at his Grange workshop MILTON HAWORTH REF: 0389200

Patrick McMahon died at his home in The Crescent, Grange, on New Year’s Day aged 55.

He had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in September last year.

Mr McMahon, originally of County Tyrone, Ireland, built an international reputation for his work during his distinguished career.

He was commissioned to do special one-off pieces for the Queen, the Vatican, America’s presidential White House, private crystal collectors throughout the world and many more.

Most recently, Mr McMahon worked at his Artcrystal business in Main Street, Grange, which he was forced to close last year due to his health.

Mr McMahon’s wife Marian said: “Tourists from all over the world would come and watch Pat work and talk with his wonderful Irish smile. He was such a character.

“He loved the Lake District – 31 years he lived and worked there.

“He engraved all the Lakeland scenes, they were his major works of art and people would come from far and near to see his work.

“He was very fortunate to commission for the Queen and meet her. He was quite famous.”

Mr McMahon started his career with an Irish crystal company in the early 70s, where he served an apprenticeship to become a master crystal engraver and soon received acclaim for his unique style.

He moved to South Lakeland in 1979 and worked with Cumbria Crystal, Ulverston, before setting up his own business – Artcrystal – at Low Wood, Haverthwaite. He relocated the company to Grange in 2002.

A huge number of people attended Mr McMahon’s funeral on Friday.

Mrs McMahon said: “He loved life and had a real, great sense of humour and it was lovely that people were able to see all of that in him.”

Phil Broadley, of Kirkby, was a close friend of Mr McMahon’s and a fellow Ulverston Rotary Club member for several years. He said: “He was a lovely man, he really was just fabulous – as you expect the Irish to be.

“He was such a skilled man and one of the most highly regarded engravers in the country, I would say.”

David Sharpe, Cumbria Crystal factory manager, said on behalf of the company: “Patrick was a great friend and colleague and will be greatly missed.”

First published at 12:59, Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk